FREEMAN SCORES BUT FALCONS FALL TO DOLPHINS

Now the NFL’s highest-paid running back, Devonta Freeman looked the part in a brief appear- ance Thursday, scoring on a 15yard reception from Matt Ryan, but the Atlanta Falcons lost to the host Miami Dolphins 23-20. Freeman, who agreed to terms on a five-year, $41.25 million extension Wednesday, scored to cap the Falcons’ first preseason possession.

Chad Henne hit Keelan Cole on a 97-yard touchdown pass, Corey Grant scored on a

79-yard run and the Jacksonville Jaguars feasted on a New England Patriots lineup without Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to defeat the defending NFL champions 31-24 in Foxborough, Mass. Grant ran for 120 yards on eight carries, and No. 4 overall draft pick Leonard Fournette ran nine times for 31 yards and a 1yard touchdown for the Jaguars.

Case Keenum showed glimpses of being a capable backup in the Minnesota Vikings’ 17

10 win against the host Buffalo Bills. Keenum went 11-for-16 for

121 yards and engineered two scoring drives.

Ryan Mallett struggled in place of injured quarterback Joe Flacco, throwing for 58 yards while playing the entire first half, but the Baltimore Ravens beat the visiting Washington Redskins 23-3. The Ravens scored 13 points while Mallett was in the game, including a 2-yard touchdown run by Terrance West following two costly penalties by the Redskins. Mallett was operating behind a makeshift line and without his top three receivers.